Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 June 2014
73. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will give consideration to the proposals made in correspondence (details supplied) regarding raised bogs; if he will act upon recommendations made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24041/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, there are certain constraints associated with replying to a 'details supplied' Question of this nature. The proposals referred to by the Deputy relate to a draft national plan, which was published by Government earlier this year for a period of public consultation, along with an associated draft national strategy and review.
Almost 1,500 submissions have been received as part of this consultation process and work has begun on analysing the submissions. This correspondence supplied by the Deputy will be included as part of that process.
In order for the draft national plan to be finalised, site specific management plans must be prepared, which will determine, for example, whether or not there is a case to be made under Article 6.3 or 6.4 of the Habitats Directive for continued cutting on the site in question and what approach will be taken to site restoration.
The proposals made in the correspondence referred to in the Deputy's Question will be discussed with the local community as the relevant site specific management plan is being prepared. It is hoped that the plan can be finalised quickly, with engagement from all stakeholders.
